Souris Valley Animal Shelter's aims to keep animals safe, and that extends to the families who care for them also. Domestic violence and animal welfare often go hand-in-hand and it is our goal that no owner should ever have to choose between their pet and their own personal safety. If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, Souris Valley Animal Shelter will house your pet while you find safety.

Did you know that domestic violence and animal welfare are often related?

• 52 percent of victims in shelters leave their pets with their batterers (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

• Up to 48 percent of domestic violence victims are unable to escape their abusers because they are concerned about what will happen to their pets when they leave (Ascione, F.R., 2007)

• 71 percent of pet-owning women entering women’s shelters reported that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims; 32 percent reported their children had hurt or killed animals (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)